The Alameda County Office of Education (ACOE) proudly announces a new partnership with the City of Oakland Life Enrichment Program and Ace Kids Golf to serve youth attending ACOE’s Camp Sweeney, a court school for detained youth in Alameda County. The partnership will allow students at Camp Sweeney to participate in regular golf lessons through services sponsored by Ace Kids Golf.

Ace Kids Golf program introduces disadvantaged youth throughout Northern California to the game of golf by providing quality instruction, equipment, and the experience of playing golf.  In addition, they provide youth with mentors and life skills training associated with playing golf-- essentially patience and focus. Their goal is to support students in becoming productive and outstanding citizens, and to deter participating youth from anti-social behavior.

Twenty-four young men from Camp Sweeney have begun golf lessons at Lake Chabot Golf Course, which will continue throughout the school year.

“I am delighted that our Camp Sweeney youth have the opportunity to engage in a sport that teaches constructive play alternatives, the discipline to stay engaged, and the perseverance it takes to complete a game or task”said Sheila Jordan, Superintendent of the Alameda County Office of Education. “I thank Ace Kids Golf for offering to sponsor our young men, and welcome other organizations to provide alternative education classes that can serve our at-risk youth”.

Ace Foundation, the non-profit organization that supports Ace Kids Golf, welcomes financial donations. Sponsorship dollars will directly enable more children to be exposed to golf and its benefits. Donations can be made by contacting Mr. Preston Pinkney, Ace Kids Golf Program Director, at (510) 351-5812 ext. 23. For more information about how funds are managed, visit http://www.acekidsgolf.com/acespon.htm.

About Camp Sweeney
Camp Sweeney is an ACOE Juvenile Court School that provides an alternative education program for "at risk" students. The school features small classes, individualized instruction, instructional aides, and special education services. Students are referred to the program by the Juvenile Court and the Probation Department. All agencies work together to ensure a quality program and assume shared responsibility for the physical, social, ethical, and moral development of their wards and dependents.

About Ace Kids Golf
Ace Kids Golf collaborates with the City of Oakland to provide inner-city youth access to the game of golf. The youth served often come from neighborhoods rife with gang activity, drugs, and violent crime. Each year Ace Kids Golf offers transportation, uniforms, instruction, golf course access and life skills training for 250-300 at-risk youth ages 9-17, free of charge. Most of training is conducted at Lake Chabot Golf Course in Oakland. The program runs year-round and includes in-school P.E., after-school sessions, girls-only classes, a summer program, and field trips to professional golf events